Utah General Contractors - Business and Law Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of non-hazardous construction waste?

1. Asphalt

2. Gypsum drywall

3. Plastics

4. Concrete

The correct answer is: Plastics

Non-hazardous construction waste typically refers to materials that do not pose a risk to human health or the environment and can often be recycled or disposed of with minimal impact. In this context, plastics are commonly classified as non-hazardous because, while they can contribute to environmental pollution if not managed properly, they do not emit toxic substances in their typical forms when discarded. On the other hand, asphalt, gypsum drywall, and concrete can have specific handling requirements due to their chemical compositions or the potential for containing hazardous components. For example, gypsum drywall can release sulfur compounds when disposed of improperly, and asphalt may contain additives or chemicals that require careful management. In contrast, plastics, as used in construction (like plastic sheeting, PVC pipes, etc.), are viewed as non-hazardous waste as they are often chemically stable and manageable through recycling programs, thus making them the correct answer in this scenario.